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Air district issues second 'Spare the Air' alert

Wood-burning ban in place Thursday as district warns of unhealthy air quality

For the second day in a row, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District is asking residents to refrain from burning wood.

Anticipating high levels of pollution, district officials issued a "Spare the Air Alert" for Thursday (Dec. 8).

Wood burning, both indoors and outdoors, is illegal all day Thursday.

"Winter air pollution is mainly caused by particulates or soot pollution from wood smoke," district officials said in a statement. "Smoke from wood-burning fires is linked to illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and lung disease, and is especially harmful for children and the elderly."

The district's Winter Spare the Air season began Nov. 1 and will end on Feb. 29.

Residents are advised to visit www.sparetheair.org or call (877) 4-NO-BURN to check the daily burn status.

Those interested in signing up for alerts about Winter Spare the Air days can visit the website or call (800) 430-1515.